My fiance will be spending our honeymoon on the CT starting somewhere on July 2. Where should we go. Id like to se if we can get Elbert and Massive in the mix. Just tryin to figure out what part to hike?
chaco taco
6 days on the CT
system
#2
Congrats on the upcoming event.
A suggestion: Contact the Leadville Hostel, a great place to base out of @ (719)486-9334. During that time of year there is a popular run going on (Leadville 100) so, if you want to stay there make a reservation. From Leadville, Wild Bill (the owner) can drop you off and pick you up where you wish for a fare price so, no car worries.
Start south bound from Tennessee Pass and end up at Twin Lakes or vise versa. You will pass by both 14’ers and could bag them along the way. If you want a longer hike then start/end at Copper Ski resort north of Leadville.
BTW, that area is beautiful. Just don’t forget to bring your bug spray (mosquitos).
WB
system
#3
Hey Chaco -
I hiked the entire CT this past June/July.
If I had to recommend a 6-day jaunt along the trail I would say head SOUTH. I think that most people would agree that the southern part of the Colorado Trail is much more dramatic than the northern part.
If you’re looking to include Elbert in your hike, think about parking your car in Twin Lakes, tagging Elbert day-hike style, and then heading south along the CT. Approximately 50 miles south of Twin Lakes is Princeton Hot Springs… a logical stopping point. This would allow for an easy 10 mile per day pace, and even a resupply option (Buena Vista) should you need one. This will also take you through some of the Collegiate Peak Wilderness… home to some INSANE mountains and scenery.
If you aren’t hell bent on tagging Elbert, I would say head even farther South. Consider parking your car at Spring Creek Pass, 30 miles out of Creede. From there head South to Silverton… some 55 miles away. This again will allow for an easy 10-11 mile per day pace… and you’ll traverse what I personally consider to be one of the most beautiful parts of the CT - the San Juan Mountains.
Bottom line - you have a decent amount of options. Check em all out and see what fits you best. Happy Hiking!
Low
system
#4
On my SoBo CT thru-hike last year I had to pass up Massive because of really bad t’storms. I went into Leadville the next day (july 4th) and stayed the evening at the Hostel. The next morning I got a shuttle out and coyboy camped the next night 12,500 feet on the base of Elbert. After missing the trail down Elbert, I unknowlingly summited South Elbert in a snow storm and a couple of other small peaks on my way down to the desert like traverse around the Twin Lakes. It was a great day. That day reminded me of the PCT’s Fuller Ridge coming from Mt. San Jacinto down into the desert below 20+miles later. I resupplied in Salida and stayed at the Hostel there. The colorado trail is loaded with nice hostels and operators that are more than willing to find you a ride into town or trail.
The San Juans are amazing too. The area north of Silverton has 80(I’m guessing) or so miles of above tree line hiking. Some of the most enjoyable hiking miles I have ever put in. I just wouldn’t want to be up there in a thunderstorm.
:cheers
Spigot